Minnesota Vikings: Jerome Simpson knows it's time to step up

Jerome Simpson is tackled by Donte Whitner of the San Francisco 49ers after a 17-yard pass play in the second quarter at Candlestick Park on Aug. 25, 2013. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Second chances in the NFL are fleeting, and Jerome Simpson's second second chance with the Vikings has the wide receiver counting his blessings.

Healthy, motivated and without a suspension to hamstring his season, Simpson is seizing the opportunity to fill his role as a downfield receiver knowing time to make a lasting impression in Minnesota -- and elsewhere -- is dwindling.

"I feel like I owe (the Vikings) something because I want to prove to them and the naysayers that I can play this game," Simpson said this week. "I just want to just prove to the team that I want to be here. Hopefully this is going to be a great year for me."

The Vikings had high expectations for Simpson in 2012 after signing the former Cincinnati Bengal as a free agent. His strong preseason was interrupted by a three-game suspension imposed by the NFL after he was convicted of a felony drug charge while playing for the Bengals.

He started Sept. 30 at Detroit and caught four passes for 50 yards. A week later, on the day of the Tennessee game, Simpson woke up with numbness in his left foot, symptoms from a meddlesome back injury that sidelined him two more games. His speed and ability to cut routes was hampered all season.

"From then on, it was really a challenge for him to get up to full speed," offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said.

Simpson, who played last year on a one-year, $2 million contract, finished with just 26 catches for 274 yards. The Vikings re-signed him to another one-year deal reportedly worth $1.

Rest and rehabilitation gradually improved Simpson's health, and by spring he was able to start offseason training.

"My body feels great. It's 100 percent," he said. "I'm just so glad that everything healed up properly and nothing's nagging. I can do everything I used to do. The people I trained with could tell I had my step back because they could see that (last season) I just didn't have that quick step I usually have."

Musgrave noted Simpson has been able to get out of his breaks more quickly and create more separation from defenders. He has been more focused and is adapting more easily his second year in the Vikings' offense.

"He's playing more with more confidence," quarterback Christian Ponder said. "He's more comfortable in this offense and knows more and more what he's doing, and you can just tell he's having fun out there. That's the biggest thing I've liked about him since he became a part of this team: He always has fun. He's a guy that's enjoyable to play with.

Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson catches a pass in front of 49ers defensive back Perrish Cox (20) during the third quarter in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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It took four years for Simpson to become a regular with the Bengals, who drafted him out of Coastal Carolina in the second round in 2008. In 2011, he started 14 of 16 games, caught 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Moreover, 68 percent of his receptions converted first downs.

Coach Leslie Frazier said during training camp that Simpson was poised to reclaim more than his pride.

"We are seeing a guy right now that I think can help our football team and really make a difference for us in the passing game," Frazier said. "His attitude has been great. We are expecting big things out of him this year."

Simpson acknowledges his suspension was a self-inflicted wound. The source of his back injury remains a mystery.

Crystal clear are this season's stakes.

"I'm on a one-year contract," he said. "I guess I owe (the Vikings) because they were counting on me last year. I love playing this game. There's not a day that I don't want to come to work. I just love being around this group because it's such a good group of guys. It's a blessing I can do this."